Shirwell was
originally an Anglo-Saxon ‘Hundred’ and is one of the oldest
ecclesiastically appointed Deaneries in the Exeter
Diocese.

St Peter’s Church is a Grade 1
listed building dating from the 13th century. Parts which survive
from this time include the tower, chancel arch, parts of the
chancel, and the priest’s door to the vestry. Records show how the
building has evolved down the centuries as it has met the needs of
is community and worshipping congregation. These range from the
Norman font to catering facilities. The attractive and well
cared for building seeks to serve the community by being a
welcoming and practical space as well as an oasis of calm and peace
for those needing time apart from a busy world.

The south aisle of the church has
been cleared of pews, which leads the eye to the open belfry, where
the six bells are rung regularly as part of worship every week. The
space crated by the removal of pews, together with some open space
at the front of the nave allows for flexibility of worship. The
provision of chairs means that areas can be used for different
purposes as appropriate. Cupboards at the back of the south aisle,
designed to be in keeping with the architecture of the building,
contain facilities for serving coffee and refreshments, as well as
general storage. Care has been taken to ensure that the traditional
charm of a country church has been retained whilst making the
changes.

As is often the case in rural
churches, St Peter’s Church family caters for people from a range
of Anglican backgrounds, as well as from a Non-Conformist
background. Until recent years Shirwell Methodist Church was very
much a part of village life. A Covenant linked them with St.
Peter’s. Following the closure of the Chapel the congregation of St
Peter’s has been enriched by the inclusion of many of those
Methodists.

FACILITIES

Assistance
dogs welcome

Bell
Ringing

Electronic
Organ

Heating

Kitchen
area (refreshments are served following each service)

Open
daily

Parking
(on site)

Special
Branch (Sunday school)

Toilets/Disabled
(in the Village Hall opposite the church)

Wheelchair
access

SERVICES

The normal pattern of services
are:

1st Sunday in the
month 9:30am

Morning Worship
Common
Worship

2nd Sunday
9:30am

Holy Communion
Common
Worship

3rd Sunday
9:30am

Morning Worship Common Worship

4th Sunday
9:30am

Holy Communion
Common
Worship

5th Sunday
11:00am

United service in
one of the churches in the Mission Community

What's
on:

Bell
Ringing practice normally takes place every week on
Mondays at 7.00pm for around one & half hours. For further
details contact the captain - Ken Edwards on 01271
850581.